- PARCHI, RISERVE NATURALI, ORRIDI
Dormelletto
Dormelletto is located on the southern shore of Lake Maggiore. It has about 2,600 inhabitants and is part of the region of Piedmont, as it’s between Castelletto Sopra Ticino and Arona. Its origin dates back to the Medieval period, although some 50 tombs from much older periods have been discovered here, some even dating back to sometime between the 3rd – 1st century BC. They belong to the Gallic necropolis located near Town Hall.
Tourism in Dormelletto: the Nature Reserve
Dormelletto is part of the territory within the Canneti di Dormelletto Special Nature Reserve, which extends for a total of 157 hectares between Arona and Castelletto Ticino.
It’s important to preserve this natural heritage both for its lake ecosystem and to protect the bird wildlife here. Many bird species have been seen in the reserve. Pedestrian and bike paths allow visitors to go into the reserve and enjoy the natural beauty of this place.
The reserve is also home to Villa Tesio, a very well-known thoroughbred stud farm that has been operating since the 1900’s. This is where the thoroughbred Dormello Olgiata was born in 1932 thanks to work by Federico Tesio and Marquis Incisa. It has been replaced by other thoroughbreds bred in the stables and pastures, which are well-integrated with the reserve’s scenery.
The centre of the village of Dormelletto is also worth mentioning, as it’s dominated by a parish church in a scenic position, where the ruins of a primitive Romanesque building dating back to the 12th century have also been found.
Events and entertainment in Dormelletto
Dormelletto is the ideal place for those interested in participating in water sports. In fact, the numerous campgrounds along the shores of Lake Maggiore are equipped for this eventuality.
Several events are also held here throughout the year. The most important celebration is certainly carnival, which attracts many tourists, especially when the vecia (old hag) is burned on Shrove Tuesday to symbolise the end of winter. The Festa al Campo (Festival in the Field) celebrations take place the first 3 weekends in July every year.
